Mississippi Avenue shopping guide

Virgil Wells of Boring sells trees and turns them into bowls, back scratchers on other items

Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

Historic Mississippi Avenue

After WWII, banks' red-lining practices prevented African-Americans from living in just about every other part of Portland, causing Mississippi Avenue to flourish as a vibrant black neighborhood. Since, the area has undergone a transformation, and is thoroughly gentrified. It's now one of the city's most popular shopping destinations, and home to one of the city's largest street fairs.

Virgil Wells of Boring sells trees and turns them into bowls, back scratchers on other items

Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

A day on Mississippi

From campy to chic, this street has it all, and its shops have been featured in several "Portlandia" episodes. (I'll leave it to you to decide whether that increases or decreases its appeal.) For a full day on Mississippi, I recommend starting at Paxton Gate and heading south, stopping at Por Que No for lunch before turning around to explore the west side of the street. End your day with a show at Mississippi Studios and drinks at Bar Bar.

Paxton Gate.JPG

Anna Marum/The Oregonian

Paxton Gate

This curious shop is a taxidermist's paradise: From a stuffed musk ox to a bottled pig fetus, this store is a great substitute for a trip to the natural history museum. Though it's not for the squeamish, the store also offers pretty things like framed butterflies, precious stones and (living!) plants.

Animal Traffic is the ultimate camping-chic store. The backpack selection is excellent, and the racks are filled with new and vintage duds for every persuasion, from Metallica T-shirts to cat-emblazoned sweaters. For new shoes to go with that Herschel backpack, head next door to The Annex, which stocks Red Wings, Danner, Woolrich and more.